Karachi: Pakistan on Friday reported an outbreak of the avian flu, prompting authorities to cull a large number of birds at a poultry farm in Karachi, where 5,500 chickens died of the deadly disease earlier this week.

The H5N1 strain of avian influenza had been found in samples taken from birds that died in the farm, Pakistan Poultry Association spokesman Abdul Maroof Siddiqui said.

Some 5,500 birds had died in the farm, following which samples were sent for tests at a laboratory in Islamabad. The tests confirmed the presence of bird flu, officials said.

Teams were sent to the farm on Friday to cull its remaining birds.

Though there are several other poultry farms in the area, bird flu has not been detected in them so far. Health and veterinary officials went to these farms to test both birds and humans, but said they had not found any cases of the influenza jumping to humans.

Owners of the poultry farms were directed to take precautions and provide gloves to workers and conduct regular health check-ups for them.

The authorities also issued guidelines to people for handling of poultry products and meat. People were asked to cook chicken at 80 degrees Centigrade to kill the virus and not to eat roast or chicken tikka , a favourite dish at most restaurants and parties. People were also asked not to touch meat with bare hands.

Pakistan has reported outbreaks of bird flu over the past two years. Six persons were infected with the virus in December last year and at least two of them died.

Source : PTI